Spyware, what is it and how to prevent it

... So you log into Windows and wait for it to load, and your icons slowly show up on your desktop, in front of your scruffy the dog background. Are you STILL waiting? Wow this computer seems to be taking a long time huh? Why is your computer taking so long to load? Keep reading !

So finally your computer slows to a crawl when you try to open up your favorite software. How can this be? You have a decent amount of memory (RAM) and your processor is a "fast" dual core. You only use your computer for browsing the internet and sending emails, so WHY IS IT SO SLOW..you ask!?? SPYWARE!! (No, spyware is not the neighbor that was looking through your window with his binoculars! Keep reading and learn more.)

Spyware comes in different types and "flavors." Unlike BASKIN ROBBINS, you won't like these flavors...guaranteed. Spyware can find it's way to your computer through various sneaky methods:

1.) It is attached to music that you download on your favorite sharing site, and installs itself upon opening of that music, and runs in the background.

2.) It lurks in the background of your favorite (shady) website, and installs itself silently while you are browsing with Internet Explorer.

3.) The "GET A FREE CAR GUARANTEED" Ad that popped onto your screen - urging you to CLICK NOW..has directed you to a website that automatically installs vicious spyware onto your computer. The damage is right around the corner...

Those were several of the most common ways that your computer can be infected with Spyware. I'm sure you are wondering; what this spyware does once it is installed on your PC? First keep in mind that viruses also wreck havoc on your computer, in menu ways similar to spyware. Since we are discussing spyware ONLY right now; here are several answers (of many):

1.) Stealing your passwords, log in information, credit card numbers, bank account numbers, and other confidential information, by "logging" your keystrokes. Keystroke logging takes place when that malicious software tracks every key you press on your PC, and sends that information to dirty crooks waiting to decipher this information, obtain your account info; and rob you BLIND - most of the time, without you knowing.

2.) Tracking your internet browsing habits and keeping track of which websites you visit, what products you buy, where you buy from etc. This information is sold to third parties who in turn flood your email inbox with spam, "free" offers..etc. All junk mail, mind you. While you wonder "how do these companies that email me know what kind of products that I buy?"

3.) Running in the background of your computer, without your knowledge - using precious "CPU cycles", which in turn slow your computer to a crawl, and may cause pop ups that keep returning no matter what you try to do to stop them. Various types of spyware can also contain hijackers, which can change your internet browser settings AND your homepage, without the ability for you to change it back.

I hope that I didn't scare you too bad, but those are the realities of living in the technology age. It becomes ever so important to make sure spyware is first found, then cleaned/removed; while preventative measures are taken to make sure that spyware is not a problem on your computer. The easiest way to prevent spyware is to follow these steps (I know you're getting bored..but we are almost done!)

1.) Obtain a spyware scanning program, and use it at LEAST once a week.

2.) Only visit websites that you trust, and if you need to download from a peer to peer or download site, proceed with caution. Also, set your anti-virus software to scan each download, IMMEDIATELY!

3.) Keep your PC's antivirus software updated DAILY. Since new viruses are introduced DAILY, it is important to receive all new updates to remain protected continuously. Some types of spyware may be picked up by your anti-virus software, but missed by your spyware scanning software. Keep both types of protection at ALL times!

4.) ALWAYS use a firewall! What's a firewall? It's either software, or hardware that filters internet traffic, and prohibits certain programs from accessing your internet connection. It also prevents the "outside" world from gaining access to YOUR internet connection. The most important reason to use a firewall to prevent spyware, is to limit spyware's ability to connect to the NET. Without an internet connection, spyware that could send your info to third parties, can't send that information without connecting to the internet. Use a firewall.

5.) STAY OFF THE INTERNET! Hehe, that's not likely, but it is definitely the best way to prevent spyware. As long as you follow the above suggestions, you should be fine. Tune in for the next article titled: "Cleaning spyware and arming your computer". We will discuss the various types of software to scan your computer, where to find the software (for free), what to do when spyware is detectd, and how to keep your computer nearly bullet proof from these dangerous "invaders".
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Make sure to come back and visit us a week from today, and we will have more information for you, for free. Best regards and HAPPY COMPUTING !

Jarvis Edwards - TekTime

Jarvis Edwards is the owner and Senior Technician of TekTime, a computer consulting company located in the Inland Empire area of Southern California. Please feel free to visit his company's website for more articles, tips, free downloads and more! http://www.time4tech.com ---

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com